Aspasians semi-annual arts, crafts fair this Saturday

By J.J. Smith. The Aspasians semi-annual arts & crafts fair will be held again this Saturday at the Old Town Rockwall Courthouse Square from 9 am-5 pm.

Dozens of booths and displays featuring arts & crafts, art, clothing, sunglasses, food, and more products will be for sale. Also on hand will be local entertainers, bounce houses and fun for children.

The majority of the proceeds will be used by provide college scholarships for Rockwall County high school seniors, according to the Aspasians website.

Remaining proceeds go to help other organizations and individuals who have a need.

“We provide Thanksgiving baskets loaded with food for families who otherwise might not have a holiday feast and play Santa to children and adults who might otherwise have a barren Christmas. Just a few of the organizations we have helped over the years are the Angel League, our soldiers in Iraq, and the Rainbow Room,” reads their website.

“In order to assure maximum funds for scholarships, many of our philanthropic holiday donations come from personal donations by our membership.”

There are currently 40 women who are members of the non-profit organization which was originally organized in 1972 by a local group of 30 women who belonged to a college sorority. Because the women preferred to donate money locally, they resigned from the sorority and started Aspasians.

Their first art fair in 1975 raised over $100. It has grown over the years so that over 200 vendors are now involved each time it is held.